Fluorometholone


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Ophthalmic
Ocular inflammation
Adult: For the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive inflammation of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe: As 0.1% ophthalmic susp: Instil 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac 2-4 times daily, may increase to 2 drops hourly or 1 drop 4 hourly during the 1st 24-48 hours of treatment. As 0.25% ophthalmic susp: Instil 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 2-4 times daily, may increase to 1 drop 4 hourly during the 1st 24-48 hours of treatment. Re-evaluate treatment if symptoms fail to improve after 2-14 days (refer to specific product guidelines). Dosage recommendations may vary between countries (refer to specific local guidelines).
Child: ≥2 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary between countries (refer to local guidelines).
What are the brands available for Fluorometholone in Hong Kong?
Other Known Brands
  • Flarex
  • FML
Contraindications
Viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva (e.g. epithelial herpes simplex keratitis [dendritic keratitis], vaccinia, varicella), mycobacterial eye infections, acute purulent untreated eye infections, fungal diseases of ocular structures.
Special Precautions
Patient with history of herpes simplex keratitis, glaucoma, thin corneal or scleral tissue. May mask signs of infection. Avoid abrupt withdrawal (particularly in chronic conditions). Children. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Increased IOP resulting in glaucoma; optic nerve damage, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, and delayed wound healing (prolonged use); increased risk of secondary ocular infections, corneal and scleral thinning which may lead to perforation (prolonged use); visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision), exacerbation of preexisting viral eye infections, increased risk of bleb formation (after cataract surgery). Rarely, central serous chorioretinopathy.
Eye disorders: Eye pain, irritation and swelling; eye pruritus, foreign body sensation, eyelid oedema and erythema, stinging and burning sensation of the eyes, increased lacrimation, eye discharge, ocular hyperaemia.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Dysgeusia.
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reaction.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash.
Patient Counseling Information
This drug may cause temporary blurred vision, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Remove contact lenses before administration and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor IOP (when used for ≥10 days). Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection, changes in eyesight, eye pain or discomfort.
Drug Interactions
Increased risk of systemic side effects with CYP3A inhibitors (including cobicistat-containing drugs).
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Fluorometholone is a synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid that readily penetrates cells to stimulate the production of lipocortins, the protein which regulates the action of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. It inhibits inflammatory response including capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, oedema, and scar formation associated with inflammation.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Mainly absorbed into the aqueous humour.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Fluorometholone

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 9878, Fluorometholone. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fluorometholone. Accessed Mar. 27, 2025.

Storage
Store below 25°C. Do not freeze.
MIMS Class
Eye Corticosteroids
ATC Classification
S01BA07 - fluorometholone ; Belongs to the class of corticosteroids. Used in the treatment of inflammation of the eye.
References
AbbVie Limited. FML 0.1% w/v Eye Drops data sheet 05 March 2024. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 11/03/2025.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Fluorometholone. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 11/03/2025.

Fluorometholone. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 11/03/2025.

Fluorometholone. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 11/03/2025.

FML Forte Suspension/Drops (Allergan, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 11/03/2025.

FML Liquifilm 0.1% Ophthalmic Suspension (AbbVie Sdn Bhd). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 11/03/2025.

FML Liquifilm Ophthalmic 1 mg/mL Eye Drops, Suspension (AbbVie Ltd.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 11/03/2025.

FML Suspension/Drops (Allergan, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 11/03/2025.

Joint Formulary Committee. Fluorometholone. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 11/03/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Fluorometholone from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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